Darryl Baker makes no apologies about being homeless. He gives his address as “Paradise PB on Planet Earth.”

Baker said he used to work in oil and gas back east, moving to this West Coast beach area about two years ago. In Pacific Beach, he discovered he could make some money from tourists taking photos by dressing up in a floral hat and lei, and simply enjoy life by the shore.

He keeps himself neat and clean, showering in the public bathrooms.

“The best part of the lifestyle,” he said, “is the resort attitude. Everyone is laid-back. There’s energy, love and consciousness. I just celebrate. Like they say, ‘Be happy; don’t worry.’”